History brought back to life

Welcome to Winters 2021 — Page 17 A piece of Winters history brought back to life

By Aaron Geerts

Express staff writer

At the corner of Second and Main Streets, perhaps the most unique – and iconic – building in town is coming back to life. To revitalize this piece of Winters history, however, required the lion’s share of resiliency and determination.

The Spanish colonial era building was built back in 1912. Teeming with history and culture, it served as more than a church, but something of a community center as well. With this in mind, Rhonda Pope Flores and her husband have renovated the building while keeping its original purpose intact.

“It was originally a church. Interestingly, I learned in some research that what we’re doing isn’t much different from its original use,” Pope Flores said. “It had dances, plays, performing arts, fundraisers and basically all the things we want to use it for. The building won’t primary be a church, it will have a community aspect attached

“There’s too much of our history that’s easily erased. People come in and want to develop new buildings and don’t have an appreciation for these old buildings with rich history attached to them. It’s time to really make it a benefit to the community so people can use it, enjoy it and be proud.”

Rhonda Pope Flores

to it for other events supporting local businesses. I also have local artists wanting an open mic night and other people wanting to have dance class down-

Jeff Rawlinson/Winters Express The owners hope to have the building serve as a community-oriented event space that will collaborate with local artists and businesses and potentially serve as a venue for private events. stairs. I’ve learned a lot about what people want and it’s nice incorporating those needs into the overall vision.”

The Pope Flores’ purchased the building last December and began cleanup right away. Paperwork mired progress — as it usually does — but after months of hard work, the couple is now putting the finishing touches on their renovation.

“People will be very surprised to see we’ve preserved everything. We have the original wood, and the benches have been restored and re-stained. Historical preservation is in my background, and now we’re working with the city to get as much documentation done as possible,” Pope Flores said. “People drive by and yell ‘great job’ and ‘keep up the good work!’ It’s nice because I wasn’t sure if people wanted something here, but people are really liking it.” Perhaps the most noticeable change to the building is the color. The black and white pays homage to the Spanish colonial era it’s modeled from. The purple doors, however, are a homage to the artist which the building derives its name: The Grand Prince Odeum. “The purple doors are Prince’s color, and it’s all very deco art era from the 1920’s. That was a very artistic time in our history, so it’s a blend of the two,” Pope Flores said about the merging of historical and cultural influences. “I love that we own a building filled with rich history. I see it as a duty to take care of it, and I think my husband and I have won people over. We’re open and transparent with what we’re doing and

See LIFE, Page 18

oven. Preserve, located near the Railroad Bridge, serves a rotating menu of seasonal dishes along with creative cocktails. Visit Ficelle for patio dining and California’s take on tapas. If it’s Monday night, swing by Chuy’s Taqueria for Mexican cuisine. Carboni’s Ristorante, located inside Hotel Winters, will serve up Italian food.

It’s a busy evening, get some rest. Hotel Winters offers a free art gallery featuring local artists. They also have a rooftop bar to take in the sites of Winters and a water wall feature and fire pits to relax out down on their patio. There are other local lodging options available beyond Hotel Winters as multiple homeowners host Airbnb rentals at varying prices.

After a good night’s sleep, check out Winters’ breakfast options. If you’re looking for a hearty breakfast, hit up Putah Creek. Their LEFT: The Winter Fruit Tree is a year-round fruit stand on State Highway 128 (Grant Avenue).

Green River Tap Room, right, and Berryessa Brewing Company are both located just outside of town.

Jeff Rawlinson/Winters Express

It’s a busy evening, get some rest. Hotel Winters offers a free art gallery featuring local artists.

Farmer’s Breakfast is a perennial favorite. For a later brunch, go to Preserve, Green River Taproom or Carboni’s.

If you need some coffee before you can fully function, walk down to Steady Eddy’s Coffee House. They serve lighter breakfasts and lunches, along with smoothies and specialty coffee drinks. If you love their coffee, take some home with you. They sell their freshly roasted beans and other local wares inside. Coffee drinkers sitting on Steady Eddy’s patio on a Saturday morning will see cyclists ride in and hitch up their bikes at the racks before grabbing a snack and swinging through the local bike shop, Velocity.

Families with children should stop by the impressive City Park, built through community effort. The park is ADA accessible and has a special section for younger children, along with a rock climbing wall, two sets of swings and a zipline.

Stop for lunch at Ocean Restaurant for Chinese food, or grab some Mexican food at El Pueblo Meat Market & Deli. El Pueblo serves up a menu that includes homemade salsas and horchata. There are also food truck options at the corners of the Grant and Railroad Avenues intersection. El Verduzco’s Taco Truck is a local favorite, while The Buckhorn BBQ Truck is a new addition. The Pizza Factory has finally reopened, and locals are stopping in for equal servings of pizza and nostalgia.

If you’re heading up to Lake Berryessa, you will see the Kountry Kitchen, which serves up American and Mexican food, at the beginning of town.

Lake-goers could also get a picnic lunch at Lorenzo’s Market, which has been family-run for three generations. They have deli sandwiches and salad options.

Continued from Page 17

up-to-date on every aspect of what we’re doing.”

If anyone were to question the Pope Flores’ intentions and efficacy, it’s important to know it’s simply matter of keeping Winters’ history healthy.

“There’s too much of our history that’s easily erased. People come in and want to develop new buildings and don’t have an appreciation for these old buildings with rich history attached to them,” Pope Flores opened up. “It’s time to really make it a benefit to the community so people can use it, enjoy it and be proud. When we’re done with this buildgrowing up in West Sacramento and graduating from River City High School.

“I was one of those kids who grew up watching Fame and I was going to go to New York and be a famous dancer,” Pope Flores said. “It didn’t quite work out that way, but I’ve always been intrigued by art, music and theatre.”

Pope Flores didn’t become an actor, though she does play the piano, and she now works as Chairwoman of the Buena Vista Rancheria of Me-Wuk Indians of California. The job keeps her busy, she said, but also allows her some freedom to branch out and pursue her other interests. Starting the art center had been something “scratching at my heart for a while,” she said.

Pope Flores hopes to have the building serve as a community-oriented event space that will collaborate with local artists and businesses and potentially serve as a venue for private events such as birthday celebrations or graduations.

Edward Booth contributed to this article.

Jeff Rawlinson/Winters Express Historical preservation has been key — the original wood and benches have been restored and re-stained.

“I love that we own a building filled with rich history. I see it as a duty to take care of it.”

Rhonda Pope Flores

Artwork by WPG

203 1st St. Winters, CA 94594 www.winterschamber.com 530-795-2329

Enjoy! Taste!

Stay!

Welcome to...

Located in Yolo County, just 25 miles from the Sacramento International Airport and at the start of the beautifully manicured Hwy 128, Winters, CA serves as the eastern gateway to Napa wine country. Nestled in the heart of downtown Winters, Hotel Winters is surrounded by celebrated restaurants, renowned wine-tasting rooms, and unique shops. For the adventure seekers, Lake Berryessa and The Blue Ridge mountains just 15 miles away offer water sports, hiking, biking, and bird watching. Wine enthusiast will enjoy 7 Westeren Yolo County wineries all within 25 miles and everyone will appreciate the many seasons of the Winters countryside providing unparalleled beauty at every angle. Amenities: Room Service • 24 Hour Front Desk • Fitness Center • Restaurant • Hot Tub or Spa • Internet Access - Free Public Access • Parking - Valet • Business Center • Catering • Event Space For booking or more information, visit www.hotelwinters.com.

Follow Hotel Winters on Facebook and Instagram.